Life can change quickly. A sudden illness, an unexpected trip, a family emergency, or even being away from home longer than planned can make it harder to manage your accounts. Having an emergency action plan for your finances ensures your bills get paid, your money stays protected, and your loved ones can support you when you need them most.
The most important rule: Never share your password or login credentials. Instead, choose one of the secure, legal options below.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Many Members don’t realize how important it is to plan for account access until something unexpected happens. Here are a few real‑life situations were having a trusted person already designated makes all the difference:
- Traveling abroad and losing access to a secure network
- Recovering from surgery and needing someone to pay bills on time
- Working long hours or multiple jobs, making it hard to manage daily finances
- Being separated from family unexpectedly, such as during a natural disaster or emergency evacuation
- Navigating a sudden change in living arrangements, including situations where someone may be detained or unavailable for a period of time
These moments can be stressful. But with the right designations in place, someone you trust can step in and help. Visit our Manage Account Access page to learn more.
Ways to Give Someone You Trust the Ability to Help
Below are the three safe, legal options available for your UFCU accounts.1 You can also view the full comparison chart here (opens in a new window).
Joint Account Holder
A joint account holder can help manage your account immediately. This option works well if you want someone to help you today or if you want shared access for everyday needs. A joint account holder can:
- Deposit or withdraw money using their own individually-issued debit card
- Pay bills with Online Banking and/or the Mobile app
- View transactions
They also share responsibility for the account, including any fees or negative balances.
Scenario Example: Marisol travels frequently for work. When she was stuck overseas during a storm, her sister — a joint account holder — was able to pay her rent and keep her utilities current until she returned. Having this kind of personal emergency support gave Marisol peace of mind.
How to add one: Visit any UFCU branch or call Member Services.
Learn more: How a Joint Account Can Save the Day
Beneficiary
A beneficiary receives the money in your account after your lifetime. They do not have access while you are living. This option is helpful when you want to make sure your funds go to the right person in the future. You may designate multiple beneficiaries and change them at any time. A beneficiary can:
- Receive your remaining funds after your death
- Close the account or move the money
- Be updated at any time
Scenario Example: Luis wanted to make sure his daughter would receive his savings if something happened to him. Naming her as his beneficiary gave him confidence that his wishes would be honored without giving her access to the account today.
How to add a beneficiary: Visit any UFCU branch or call Member Services.
Power of Attorney (POA)
A Power of Attorney (POA) can act on your behalf if you become unable to manage your finances. They must act in your best interest and cannot change account ownership. A POA can:
- Pay bills
- Deposit or withdraw money
- Use Online Banking, the Mobile app, and your debit card
A POA ends when the account holder passes away. Members often ask: What is a POA? A POA is a legal document that authorizes someone to act for you. If you’re wondering how to get a Power of Attorney or where to find a general Power of Attorney form, a legal professional can guide you through the process.
Scenario Example: When Daniel became ill and needed time to recover, his cousin — who had POA — was able to manage his bills and keep his accounts in good standing until he was well again. Having a POA in place was part of Daniel’s emergency procedures for his finances.
How to add one: Visit any UFCU branch or call Member Services.
If You’re Traveling Internationally
Managing your finances from abroad can be harder due to limited access to service providers or secure networks. Preparing before you leave helps keep your accounts protected. Before you travel, consider:
- Adding a joint account holder
- Reviewing or designating a beneficiary
- Setting up a POA
- Updating your contact information
- Setting travel alerts in Online Banking
- Reviewing bills scheduled during your absence
Learn more about preparing your accounts before travel.
If You’re Facing an Unexpected Disruption
Sometimes life brings situations that separate you from your accounts — a medical emergency, a family crisis, or even a situation where you may be unavailable for a period of time. These moments can be overwhelming, especially for families who rely on one person to manage the household finances.
Designating a joint account holder, beneficiary, or POA ahead of time helps ensure:
- Your bills continue to be paid
- Your family can access funds for essentials
- Your accounts stay protected
- Your wishes are honored
For additional support, visit the Member Relief Center.
How to Get Started
You can add a joint account holder, beneficiary, or POA at any time. We’re here to help you choose the option that fits your needs.
- To get started, visit any UFCU branch or call Member Services.
- View the full comparison chart here (opens in a new window)
1 UFCU does not provide legal advice. For legal advice, consult a legal professional.